Manufactured using New York high-carbon steel for outstanding break strength, and coated with an ultra-thin polymer developed especially by D'Addario, the XSABR1152 strings for acoustic guitars offer – alongside their full 80/20 bronze sound – an extremely long lifespan and phenomenal tuning stability on any acoustic steel-string. This set of strings (with the lightweight gauges .011, .015, .w022, .w032, .w042, and .w052) makes for a good compromise for guitarists who want to strum powerful chords while still bending their notes or applying finger vibrato during their solos. Despite this playability, the D'Addario XSABR1152 strings are immensely resistant to breaking and will also suprise even experienced musicians with their volume.
D'Addario's XS film coating is ten times finer than human hair, while still effectively protecting the strings from residue and changing temperatures. The coating is imperceptible to the touch, with a play-feel that is incredibly smooth and a sound typical for strings with an 80/20 bronze wrap – both bright and balanced. The core's hexagonal shape (which is another D'Addario innovation) results in perfect contact between core and wrap wire, which is an alloy of 80% copper and 20% zinc, resulting in a bright sound with a deep, warm bass response. These D'Addario XSABR1152 strings can be used more or less universally, guaranteeing both finger-pickers and plectrum-style players a great sound from the very first chord.
With their phenomenal durability, their powerful yet balanced sound, and their great tuning stability (even immediately after restringing), these D'Addario XSABR1152 strings are recommended for discerning acoustic players who are looking to combine a comfortable playing feel, almost like that of an electric guitar, with a crisp, voluminous, and overtone-rich sound that has plenty of low end. And over time their seemingly high price, even compared to D'Addario's own more affordable options, soon becomes real value for money, because the innovative coating means the strings simply last much, much longer – while still sounding fresh, bright, and balanced over their entire lifespan, whatever style they're used for.
In the world of stringed instruments, D'Addario is one of the largest manufacturers of strings themselves. The origins of the brand date back to 17th century Italy, but production was moved to New York in 1905 and even today, the brand's strings are still made and further developed in the USA. D'Addario now offers something for every need, from simple and low-priced strings to coated models and Hex-core strings. Apart from strings, the range has been expanded to include various accessories for guitarists, and other brands such as Planet Waves, Evans, Rico, and Pro Mark, which manufacture accessories for various groups of instruments, now also belong to D’Addario.
Whether they're used on a vintage parlour guitar or a big bold jumbo, the D'Addario XSABR1152 strings will reliably produce their full, balanced sound from the very first note, with all the advantages of their great tuning stability, extraordinary break strength, and ultra-long lifespan, thanks to D'Addario's innovative coating. Their relatively light gauge, from .011 to .052, enables full and balanced chords with the characteristic articulation of 80/20 bronze strings, without comprising on playability – ideal for guitarists who like to fill their solos with bends and rich finger vibrato. Finally, a quick Thomann tip: The D'Addario XSABR strings are available in an immense range of very finely graded different gauges in our online shop, so that every guitarist will be able to find something for every guitar.